SW Radio Africa news - The Independent Voice of Zimbabwe
The MDC-T has expelled ten rebellious councilors, including the Mayor of Mutare, for voting against the party during the mayoral elections in August this year. Mutare Mayor Tatenda Nhemarare and councillors Pamela Mutasa, Richard Bhiza and Farai Mupfura were shown the exit door for colluding with ZANU PF and taking bribes during the mayoral elections. Party spokesman Douglas Mwonzora told journalists in Harare Friday that they had also expelled Redcliff councillors Takura Chikwiri, Onward Majaji and Euphrasia Duro. The three were found guilty of taking bribes by a four member MDC-T committee, tasked with investigating the councillors, accused of voting for ZANU PF mayors in the elections four months ago. In Victoria Falls three councillors, Morris Nyathi, Robson Salimu and Rich Muguni, were also expelled for undermining the party and conniving with the ruling party. The MDC-T claimed the councillors received cash and residential and commercial stands to betray the party led by Morgan Tsvangirai. Shepherd Mushonga, a former MDC-T MP for Mazowe Central and the chairman of the disciplinary committee, told SW Radio Africa last week that they recommended the expulsion of councillors who instigated and played a leading role in the scandal. Other members of the committee were Women’s Assembly secretary-general Sibusisiwe Bhuda-Masara, Youth Assembly spokesperson Clifford Hlatshwayo and Chitungwiza Senator James Makore. Only the mayor of Gweru, Hamutendi Kombayi, escaped being expelled and instead got a slap on the wrist. The party has recalled him as mayor but he will remain a councillor and member of the party. Kombayi was found guilty of bribing MDC councillors in Gweru.